Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity) discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

— From HHS.gov.

Setting the Stage

June 2022 marks the 50th anniversary since the passage of Title IX, that provided legislation and subsequent regulation that forever altered the course of education and sports by removing obstacles of exclusion and harassment for women athletes and students. In an era of discontent, the stage was set for change. In the late 60’s, women protested, marched and spoke out publicly, demanding equal rights. By the early 70’s, female students were pressing for access to organized high school and collegiate sports on par with male students. Women educators wanted more women on faculty in educational institutions and even footing for access to college, graduate, law and medical school admissions. On June 23, 1972, President Nixon signed Title IX into law, to be immediately effective on July 1, 1972.

Personal Experience

I was transitioning from high school to college during this time and carefully scrutinizing the legislative wranglings and maneuvers to get this bill passed. I was elated to hear that the bill was signed but also knew that much time would be needed to enact the law, change culture and complete the necessary regulations to see fruition of the law’s intent.

Having already decided to make my career in medicine, I was acutely aware of the barriers to getting into medical school as a female. So many times I was told women had to have better grades, higher test scores and show commitment to even get an interview. I held a job during my high school and college years, so resilience became my motto and the hope for change, my strength. Nonetheless, I enjoyed these years despite the challenges, and acknowledged that the changes eventually did occur, although at a snail’s pace through the optics of a very young woman.

Medical School and Residency

I felt very fortunate to get into an accelerated three-year medical school through an early decision route — convincing my father that this was a good deal financially and supplied him with a business plan to make the case. I went to the Southern Illinois School of Medicine, and I am proud that we were the first USA school to enroll 30% women. It looked like times were changing.

It became very apparent to me during college and early medical school years that my passion was for the neurosciences with an affinity for neurosurgery, which determined my future. I knew immediately that my desire and conviction was going to be beset with hurdles far more challenging than anything I already encountered. Once again, I heard all the negatives. I was advised and told that neurosurgery was the last bastion of male supremacy, women would never be able to endure the stress involved in practicing neurosurgery, you shouldn’t have children, how about marrying a neurosurgeon instead and so on. Undeterred, I persisted, pleaded my case and was accepted at the Mayo Clinic, for which I remain eternally grateful. I have been able to serve in a community with a large regional catchment base in central Illinois that had previously suffered from a severe lack of access to timely care and built a neuroscience medical infrastructure with a team of dedicated and likeminded individuals who have and will carry on the mission.

Reflections

One should never give up hope for meaningful change, especially when the goal is to serve mankind in some noble way.  Title IX was the beacon that brought the necessary revision to improve and enhance our societal values regarding diversity and inclusion.

I have heard that members of the younger generations are impatient for change and suggest that those of us who “fought the fight for equality” did not do enough. I fully disagree, but add that it is not perfect, we can change to achieve gender equity, but it takes a catalyst, time, and perseverance.

This article was originally published in the California Association of Neurological Surgeons June 2022 Newsletter.